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It’s obvious, that Nehemiah was a passionate man. He could not have risen to such an exalted position unless he had been dedicated and passionate about his service to the king.
But now, with a new purpose in his heart, he wanted – and needed – to focus his passion on one thing, on a new and more worthy passion – on rebuilding Jerusalem, the city of God. He spent months and months planning what was needed, planning on what to say, planning on what to ask for. Yet, he chose to harness his emotions and wait and pray patiently for God’s timing. He didn’t try to break down any doors. He didn’t try to push himself into the king’s presence. He didn’t try to rush the process by manipulation. But once God opened the door and created the opportunity, Nehemiah was thoroughly prepared to unveil his perfected plans with genuine passion and forceful and powerful persuasion.
How are you at balancing your passion while waiting on God’s sovereign timing? How do you handle your great idea, dream, or noble cause with grace and patience, when you’ve done your homework, done your planning, and are eager to persuade others to get on board?
Follow Nehemiah’s example. Temper your passion with an absolute confidence in God’s ability to produce the desired outcome… in His time.
“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14)
Read From Jim’s Heart… Waiting on the Lord on Elizabeth & Jim George.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Not long after I accepted a position at the seminary where I received my own training, I attended a conference of professors from around the country. One of the speakers had a Ph.D. in religion and theology. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that, while this person knew a lot about God, he did not have a personal relationship with God through Christ. During a lunch break, I sat with him and initiated a conversation about salvation and the gospel message.
Sometimes the accounts of the faithful in the Bible can feel a bit intimidating. You may wonder if you will ever transform into a man or woman with godly influence. Maybe you feel that way when you read about the woman in Proverbs 31, or when you read about the life of Paul. Paul was Jesus’ “chosen vessel” to spread the Savior’s name “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).